ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Amid mounting rumors regarding the viability of his campaign, Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins held a press conference Monday in St. Petersburg to announce he is not suspending his bid for higher office. Instead, Collins signaled an aggressive new phase of his campaign, launching a seven-figure statewide media buy while leveling a series of direct attacks against fellow Republican Congressman Byron Donalds.
Standing before a room of supporters and media, Collins dismissed recent speculation about his exit as chatter from “experts” and “pay-to-play media.” He framed his decision to stay in the race as a necessary “step into the breach” to protect Florida’s current political trajectory.
“Rest assured, whoever started the rumor, I think I’ve handled that very clearly,” Collins stated. “We are not suspending our campaign. I’m here today to announce that our campaign is launching our initial seven-figure statewide media buy to tell our story.”
READ: Law Enforcement Powerhouse Mike Chitwood Backs Jay Collins For Florida Governor
The Lieutenant Governor, a retired Green Beret and combat veteran, leaned heavily on his military background, describing himself as a “warrior” willing to put his “neck on the line” for the state. Much of the speech, however, shifted from his own platform to a detailed critique of Congressman Byron Donalds, whom he suggested would be a liability in a general election against Democrat David Jolly.
Collins raised several allegations against Donalds, ranging from his choice of advisors to his past criminal record. He specifically highlighted a senior advisor to Donalds with a history of violent felonies, questioning the Congressman’s judgment. “A career criminal advising a sitting U.S. congressman… that raises serious questions about judgment,” Collins said.
He also targeted Donalds’ financial disclosures, alleging the Congressman made nearly $2.8 million in stock trades without proper transparency while in office. Collins further criticized Donalds’ past admission of selling drugs, contrasting it with his own history of holding high-level security clearances.
“I have had a top-secret clearance nearly my entire adult life,” Collins said. “I’m not entirely sure that he can get a secret clearance. Ask yourself, does that matter? Does our governor need to have access to classified things? I think it matters greatly.”
Addressing his own path forward, Collins acknowledged the difficulty of the race but remained defiant. He cited personal hardships—including the loss of a leg in combat and family struggles during his youth—as evidence of his resilience.
READ: Iran Claims To Rebuild Arsenal At Record Speed During Ceasefire As U.S. Carriers Swarm Mideast
“I’ve been told things can’t be done from the time my dad died in high school,” Collins told the crowd. “I’ve been told you can’t be a Green Beret on one leg… Friends, we can prevail. The truth really will set you free.”
The new ad campaign is expected to focus on “safer communities, stronger families,” and the deportation of “criminal illegal immigrants.” Collins concluded the event by reiterating that his campaign is prepared for an “uphill fight” and has no intention of backing down before the primary.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
